Triathlon to extend River Festival interest

A Triathlon will be a new feature of the Kilcullen River Festival, scheduled for Sunday 24 August, writes Brian Byrne.

The event — described as 'for fun' more than heavy competition, and taking place on the Saturday evening before the Festival day — will include a 250m swim from Berney's Inch, a 10k cycle finishing in Dunleas Kia dealership, and then a 2k 'sprint' to Market Square and back up to Dunleas.

"These events are apparently hugely popular," says Brian Fallon of the Festival organisers. "Ours will be a relatively easy one, certainly not an Ironman-type event. The Festival is a fun day, and this will add to the fun."

There's an entry fee of €20, and teams of three are allowed whose members can do a different part of the Triathlon. Entry forms will be available soon in Fallons.

The Chowder Competition is also going ahead this year, though Fallons are excluding themselves from the 2014 event, having won it last year and then going on to represent Kildare at the 4th All Ireland Chowder Cook Off in Kinsale.

Brian Fallon says there has been 'massive' interest in the stalls for this year's event, and the usual variety of attractions will be in place, including the popular Raft Race, Tug O'War, and the Lions fundraising Duck Race.